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Katherina
Fact sheet
- Name
- Katherina
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 4
Katherina is a German variant of the name Katharina. It carries the meaning 'the Pure' or 'the Innocent', derived from the ancient Greek term katharós, which translates to 'pure, clean, unblemished'. This meaning has been attributed to the name, which has developed from the Latinization of the ancient Greek Aikaterine (Αἰκατερῑ́νη), since the beginnings of Christianity.
What does the name Katherina mean?
Katherina is a German variation of Katharina and means 'the Pure' or, more freely interpreted, 'the Innocent'. This origin derives from the ancient Greek word katharós, which means 'pure, clean, unblemished'. The name has its roots in the Latinization of the Greek Aikaterine (Αἰκατερῑ́νη) and has been interpreted this way since early Christianity. However, the exact origin of the name is disputed. Notable personalities with this name include German actresses Katherina Lange and Katherina Unger. Other common German variants of Katharina include Katarina, Katarine, and Katharine, as well as short forms like Carina, Cathrin, Catrin, Ina, Karen, Karin, Karina, Käthe, Kathi, Kathrin, Kati, Katja, and Katrin, as well as Katrina.
Where does the name Katherina come from?
The etymology of the name Katherina is ancient Greek and means 'the Pure' or 'the Innocent'. The ancient Greek
How do you pronounce Katherina?
The pronunciation of Katherina is classic and melodic. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Ka-the-RI-na' [kateˈʁiːna] or [kateˈriːna], with the emphasis on the third syllable. The long 'I' sound gives the name a certain brightness, while the open '-na' gently fades away. Overall, Katherina has a traditional and elegant feel – sonorous, feminine, and harmonious.
When is the name day of Katherina?
The name day of Katherina is celebrated on several dates: March 24, April 17, April 29, September 15, November 25, and December 31.
Popularity
In Germany, Katherina is a common first name. Currently, it ranks 3,210th on the list of the most popular female baby names. Its best placement was in 2007, when it reached 732nd place. Over the last ten years, Katherina has been given as a first name about 160 times, placing it 1,873rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, the name is ranked 1,733rd.
Nicknames & pet names
Ina / Kat / Kate / Katha / Kathe / Katheri / Kathi / Kathie / Kati / Katjes / Kt / Kätzchen / Nina / Rina
Similar first names
Famous people
- Katherina Lange (actress)
- Katherina Mai (singer)
- Katherina Matousek (figure skater from Canada)
- Katherina Reiche (politician)
- Katherina Unger (actress from Germany)
Frequently asked questions about the name Katherina
What does the name Katherina mean?
Katherina means 'the Pure' or 'the Innocent' and has its roots in the ancient Greek word katharós, which means 'pure' or 'clean'.
For which gender is the name Katherina suitable?
The name Katherina is a traditional girl's name and is used exclusively for girls.
What nicknames are there for Katherina?
Popular nicknames for Katherina include Ina, Kat, Kathi, Katha, and Kate. These offer a personal touch and are often used in everyday life.
How is the name Katherina pronounced?
The name Katherina is usually pronounced as 'Ka-the-ri-na', with the emphasis typically on the second syllable.